Nigel Clarke Appointed As Independent Chair For Inquiry On Future Professional Body, UK

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 15 Aug 2007 - 2:00 PDT

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The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain is pleased to announce Mr Nigel Clarke as Independent Chairman to undertake an independent inquiry on the principles, structure and functions of a future professional body for pharmacy. Mr Clarke's appointment was agreed by Council at the 26 July 2007 meeting. The inquiry will commence from late August 2007.

Mr Clarke is currently Chairman of the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), but will stand down from his position on 31 December 2007. He is an experienced Independent Adviser, having recently conducted a review of the General Optical Council's (GOC) Code of Conduct for members. He has extensive experience within public policy having worked for the Confederation of British Industry, the House of Commons and GJW Government Relations Ltd.

As Chief Executive of medical research business Vidapulse Ltd., along with performing several non-executive roles, Mr Clarke also has a strong business background.

The Chairman will be supported by an independent secretariat and a small panel of independent advisers. The inquiry will be broad and inclusive involving two stages of consultation, review of relevant documents, road-shows and formal evidence sessions. The Chairman will report back to Council with his findings and a proposed way forward before the AGM in May.

Vice-President of the Society, Mr Martin Astbury, said: "I am delighted that an individual of Nigel Clarke's experience and calibre will be undertaking this important inquiry. I look forward to meeting Mr Clarke in late August when he begins this important role, and to hearing the outcome of his inquiry in the Spring."

Mr Clarke, said: "I am honoured to be asked by the Society to undertake this task. It is one that will need the full participation of the whole profession in all its various forms. Obviously the work will take place alongside the work needed to create the new regulator and co-operation with that will be an important aspect of this."

Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain